ABUSED FIGHTING DOGS FOUND
IN CHICAGO HOME

Thursday, June 24, 2010— A Chicago man has been charged with animal cruelty after police removed fighting dogs from his home, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced Thursday.

Myron R. Sloan, 39, of the 1300 block of South Keeler, has been charged with five felony counts of cruel treatment to animals, two felony counts of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and a misdemeanor charge of not having a firearm owner’s identification card.

Sloan has a long criminal history, including a 2003 misdemeanor conviction for cruel treatment, and a 2009 conviction for possession of a controlled substance, for which he is currently on probation. Sloan also has four previous firearms arrests. During today’s search, a bolt action rifle and ammunition were found inside Sloan’s house.

Police began surveillance on Sloan’s home two weeks ago, based on a tip, and served a search warrant today. Chicago Police SWAT teams made entry and secured the scene. Inside, officers found an eight-month old emaciated pit bull that couldn’t walk, and another pit bull with fighting scars. Two other pit bulls on the property were also in poor condition. Police also removed a three-foot iguana that Sloan kept in a two-foot cage.

The animals were malnourished, and kept in makeshift cages with wire floors that tore their feet. All have been taken to the Chicago Animal Care and Control center.

Today’s arrest was a joint operation between the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Chicago Police Department and the United States Department of Agriculture, as part of the metropolitan Animal Crimes Task Force.
Sloan will appear in bond court in the morning.